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Senate Bill Amending Section 230 Hurts Internet Companies, Says CTA

The following statement is attributed to Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, Consumer Technology Association (CTA), regarding the introduction of the Senate Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act:

"Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act is the legal underpinning for America's world-leading internet industry. By clarifying that online platforms are not liable for the posts of their users, Congress enabled internet platforms ranging from major companies to startups to host reviews, pictures, status updates and other user content. Without Section 230, internet platforms would be forced to censor content heavily and faced with crushing legal liability.

“We recognize that attempts to amend Section 230 target sex traffickers are well intended. However, the likely result will be to create a trial lawyer bonanza of overly-broad civil lawsuits. More, the Department of Justice has the legal authority to go after sex traffickers and bad actors now, without additional legislation.